City approves partial closure of Massachusetts Street for outdoor movie

Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday night unanimously agreed to shut down a portion of Massachusetts Street for about seven hours on Sept. 26 to accommodate a free outdoor showing of "The Goonies," a 1985 cult classic about a group of kids on a wild treasure hunt.

The movie is part of an event celebrating the Granada's 20th anniversary as a live music venue and its 80th anniversary as a major entertainment venue downtown. The event will close the 1000 block of Massachusetts Street from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sept. 26. Crews will set up a portable screen and projector at the south end of the block, and movie-goers can bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to sit in the street. The movie is scheduled to begin about 9 p.m., although other festivities outside the Granada, 1020 Massachusetts St., will begin at 7 p.m.

Commissioners in the past have balked at the idea of closing down portions of Massachusetts Street, but the request won unanimous approval after commissioners said they thought it would be a unique family-friendly event that exposes more people to downtown. Several merchants also wrote letters of support for the temporary street closure.

Commissioners, however, said they do want to look at creating a policy to deal with future requests to close downtown streets for events.

Comments

Good but, why not permanently close off 8th Street between Mass. and New Hampshire to auto traffic, but leaving emergency vehicle access. Would be an ideal location for outdoor events of many kinds. Traffic flow could be modified to 7th and 9th to accommodate this. This location has been used already for several events including KU Relays Shot Put Venue, Sand Bar's Block Party and recently closed for the Busker Events. Why not!

Gumnnuts, I agree, the city would probably have to hand out another parking garage, 20 year tax abatement, and special tax district to make it "economically feasible" to the rich developer who took it on.